Freedom president: ‘Traumatic experience for everyone’

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Those owed money by Freedom Industries had their opportunity to question Freedom President Gary Southern and other company executives in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday.

The hearing was the latest for Freedom as part of its reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, though company officials have acknowledged Freedom’s days are numbered.

The company filed for the bankruptcy protection eight days after Jan. 9 chemical leak at its Elk River facility that contaminated the tap water from West Virginia American Water running into 100,000 homes and businesses in parts of nine West Virginia counties.

“This has been an extremely traumatic experience for everyone,” said Southern, following Tuesday’s hearing outside of the Charleston Federal Courthouse.

“We’re absolutely committed to the people of West Virginia as far as remediation goes.”

As part of an agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection, work to dismantle the Freedom Industries’ site where the leak happened must begin by next month.